In-person Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am
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Livestream at 8:30am
Bulletin for the service

Prayer of the Day

O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Scripture

Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm 92:1-4,Psalm 92:12-15
2 Corinthians 5:6-17
Mark 4:26-34

Sermon

"Not What We Expect"
Ezekiel 17:22-24, Mark 4:26-34
What does it look like when the reign of God breaks forth in our world? Not what you might expect. This week we see images like a twig broken from a branch, seeds scattered and left alone while the planter just goes about their business, and a mustard seed growing into an unruly weed. These seem unimpressive and even foolish ways of talking about the work of God. And they all point to the cross: the ultimate image of foolishness, forsakenness, and death. Yet, there, on a hill outside of the city God turns this instrument of death into the very tree of life. If the kingdom of God is springing up there, where else? Trusting that God is at work in all sorts of unexpected places in all sorts of ways we find that God is even at work in and through you and me. And the reign of God is here among us. It just might not look like we would expect.

 



Hymns

In our prayers we remember Concordia University Chicago.